Ruchika's brother files case against Rathore

Last updated on: December 31, 2009 19:06 IST

SPS Rathore was in deep trouble on Thursday when an abetment to suicide complaint was filed against the ex-Haryana DGP in a fresh FIR by the molestation victim's brother, who alleged he was subjected to third degree police torture that drove her to take the extreme step.

Ashu Girhotra, brother of Ruchika, in his complaint sought filing of case against 67-year-old Rathore under the harsher Sec 306 (abetment to suicide) for which the maximum punishment is 10 years.

As the noose tightened over the disgraced former top cop amid mounting pressure, the CBI has decided to appeal to seek enhanced punishment in the molestation case. Rathore got away with a lighter six-month jail term unleashing a national outrage.

In new developments surrounding the former Haryana top cop, Ashoo broke his silence after filing his fresh FIR -- the third this week by Ruchika's family against Rathore -- at the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), Panchkula.

Ashu alleged that his 14-year-old sister was driven to suicide after he suffered "third degree torture" in police custody.

"Rathore used to personally supervise it," Ashu said, adding false cases were also foisted on him.

Ruchika family's lawyer Pankaj Bhardwaj said the police can arrest Rathore. Section 306 offence is cognisable and non-bailable, he said.

Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Centre will look into the case of molestation of Ruchika who committed suicide three years after the shocking incident in 1990.

The minister told reporters in Delhi he has told the family at their meeting yesterday that he would look into what the government could do.